Engineer: Autonomous Inspection & Emerging Technologies

Job Description

Lead the development and growth of TUV Rheinland's Autonomous Inspection service offering in South Africa, covering drone-based (UAV) inspections, robotic systems, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and other unmanned inspection technologies. This role combines technical inspection expertise with a commercial mindset to position TUV Rheinland as the preferred provider of advanced autonomous inspection services across industrial sectors.

Autonomous Inspection Service Development

• Identify, evaluate, and deploy autonomous inspection technologies suitable for TUV Rheinland's industrial clients, including UAVs (drones), ROVs, rope-access robots, tank crawlers, and pipe inspection systems.
• Develop and document autonomous inspection procedures, data collection protocols, and reporting standards.
• Coordinate inspection campaigns across assets including storage tanks, above-ground pipelines, structural steel, flare stacks, pressure vessels, and civil infrastructure.
• Oversee or participate in the planning and execution of autonomous inspection fieldwork, ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Analyse inspection data including visual imagery, thermal data, ultrasonic thickness readings, and other sensor outputs to generate technically sound inspection reports.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Actively promote and sell TUV Rheinland's autonomous inspection services to existing and prospective clients in mining, oil & gas, petrochemical, power, and infrastructure sectors.
• Develop compelling technical proposals, capability presentations, and service brochures tailored to client needs.
• Conduct client demonstrations and site visits to showcase autonomous inspection capabilities.
• Identify emerging market opportunities and client pain points that can be addressed through innovative inspection technologies.
• Build and maintain relationships with technology vendors, OEMs, drone operators, and service partners to expand TUV Rheinland's delivery capabilities.

Technology Scouting & Innovatin

• Continuously monitor developments in autonomous inspection technology, robotics, AI-assisted defect detection, and digital inspection platforms.
• Evaluate and recommend new tools, platforms, and technology partnerships that strengthen TUV Rheinland's autonomous inspection offering.
• Collaborate with the international TUV Rheinland network to leverage global autonomous inspection expertise and best practices.
• Contribute to the integration of autonomous inspection data with digital asset management platforms and asset integrity systems.

Quality, Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure all autonomous inspection activities comply with SACAA drone regulations, client HSE standards, and applicable inspection standards (API, ASME, ISO).
• Produce high-quality technical inspection reports that clearly communicate findings, risk levels, and recommended actions.
• Maintain records of inspections, data collected, equipment used, and client feedback.
• Support development of internal quality and operational standards for the autonomous inspection service line.
• Any ad hoc tasks as required by Management.

Experience & Further Qualifications

• BTech / BEng in Mechanical Engineering / Mechatronics Engineering, or related engineering discipline (Essential).
• Additional certification or short courses in drone operations, robotics, NDT, or inspection technology is advantageous.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in inspection engineering, non-destructive testing (NDT), asset integrity, or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated interest or exposure to autonomous inspection technologies including UAVs (drones), remotely operated vehicles(ROVs), crawlers, or robotic systems.
• Experience in industrial inspection of infrastructure, storage tanks, pressure vessels, pipelines, or structural assets.
• Exposure to inspection data interpretation, defect analysis, and reporting.
• Client-facing experience or involvement in technical proposals and business development is advantageous.
• Familiarity with inspection standards (API 510, API 570, API 653, ASME) is an advantage.
• Experience working in oil & gas, petrochemical, mining, power, or heavy industrial environments.